But the project's current phase also includes replacement of five two-track bridges, which required reducing the number of active tracks from four to two.

WSJ: Rail Corridor Hit With Major Outage

Under the plans, speeds of up to 250mph on HS2 would reduce a Birmingham to Leeds journey from two hours to 57 minutes, while phase one will cut London-Birmingham travel to 49 minutes, from the current one hour and 24 minutes.

BBC: HS2 ruling 'a victory' despite unlawful compensation move

Speeds of up to 250mph on HS2 will also reduce a Birmingham to Leeds journey from two hours to 57 minutes, while phase one will cut London-Birmingham travel to 49 minutes, from the current one hour and 24 minutes.

BBC: HS2: High-speed rail route phase two details announced